Fly-tiers demonstrate their skills as anglers watch at the Baxter County Fairgrounds on Friday during the annual fly-fishing conclave. The event continues through Sunday.

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Fly-fishing enthusiasts from across nine states gathered at the Baxter County Fairgrounds as the annual Southern Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers Fishing Fair and Expo continued Friday.

With more than 100 fly-tiers, 35 vendors, artists, nonprofits and educators, the event is a great opportunity to learn about the sport and improve skills, organizers say.

"We're a bunch of people who like to fish," said federation president Philip Greenlee of Livingston, Mont. "We care deeply about conservation and teach it through fly-fishing." ...